§ IV. On Magic and Malefice

Magic taken broadly, or natural or artificial magic, which is also called white magic, is the art of doing wondrous things at least apparently through natural causes or human industry, without any ministry of the demon. But strictly speaking, magic is the art of doing wondrous things which, although they are not supernatural, nevertheless surpass the powers of man, and therefore can be done by the help of the demon alone, explicitly or implicitly invoked.

But malefice is the art of harming with the intervention of the demon. A twofold kind is distinguished, namely amatory and poisonous. Amatory malefice, which is also called a philter, is a diabolical art by which lustful love or hatred is vehemently excited in some person toward another through a more vivid disturbance of the humors. Poisonous malefice is precisely the art of harming one's neighbor by the help of the demon, and that in various ways, for example, by diseases, dullness, etc. - Cf. St. Alphonsus, n. 23.

Malefice is commonly called sortilege, because through it an evil lot is cast upon those against whom vengeance is exercised by diabolical operation. Hence in canon law and ecclesiastical history magicians and witches are called male and female sortiarii.

Question. Whether and how do magic and malefice differ from the other species of superstition?

Response. Magic does not differ from vain observance except that its effects are more wondrous, for example, the alteration of bodies, etc. But in moral species it differs neither from vain observance nor from divination, because it matters little whether knowledge of hidden things or wondrous effects are sought from the demon. But malefice differs in species from other superstitions because, besides the sin opposed to religion, it adds harm to one's neighbor.